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Monday, February 14, 2011

Writing a Book Is Hard

Well, that title probably says it all. I'm in the thick of writing the fitting chapter for my book, and it's proven to be the most challenging chapter yet—even more so than the 70-page technique chapter! I've always thought there should be an intuitive way to approach fitting. But this chapter has just shown me that there are so many different ways to write about fitting. I hope I find one that works.

I spent a weekend traveling with my editor recently and we laughed about what a huge project this book has become. When I met with some other publishers early on, they seemed overwhelmed by the scope of the book and suggested that I cut it down considerably. But Melanie was the exact opposite—she suggested that I make the scope bigger! I think I knew I'd found a kindred spirit then.

Anyway, this is all kind of a roundabout way of saying that I'm going to take this week off blogging to focus on my book. I know how much we all struggle with fitting, so I feel a huge responsibility to get this chapter right!

Have a fab week, and keep your eye out for good cat videos to share. Better yet, record one of your own! Pip is weirdly photogenic, so I figure it's only a matter of time before we have a viral hit on our hands. (She's still working on her people skills, though.)

If you're interested in watching a cat chew his toes, Henry's your man.

Yep, we'll definitely be recording that viral YouTube sensation any day now.

I had been wondering how the book writing was coming along; I can only imaging how much hard work you're putting into this (plus juggling a job, blogging, sew-along, etc.!). My hat goes off to you for the commitment to getting this just right; I dare say the final result will be a must-have sewing tome! :)

Enjoy your time off, and I hope you are able to get some serious writing time in. ;)

I was just trying to explain slopers and flat patterns to a non-sewing friend of mine. I'm hoping that might be featured in your book... seems like if you invest the time in one or the other, you'll have a much easier time altering patterns right from the start.

Good luck with the book, and let me know if you're looking for any beta readers or technique testers. I think I'm your audience.

Yep - I spent last year writing a sewing book. It is VERY difficult to synthesize all the knowledge and experience that goes into what we think is intuitive and write it in plain language. The writing requires a whole new set of skills!!!

Have a nice writing-week! It's great to get an update on the progress of the book, and I know that a lot of your faithful followers will really appreciate a good fitting section! Can't wait to the book is finished, and I totally agree with Melanie; the bigger the better. Good luck!

Have you read Julia Child's My Life in France? Her recounting of the seemingly endless testing and retesting of recipes and the difficulty of explaining concepts to Americans that are givens in France and the struggle to find a publisher who would let her produce a mighty tome would, I expect, cound eerily familiar to you...

You are an amazing young woman with many talents. I am sure you will find just the right way to say what you know so we can all follow along with your explanations. Catch up with you later. Give the kitties a chin scratch from me.